Is it cheaper to fly into Haneda or Narita?

Haneda (HND) is much closer to downtown Tokyo, saving you time and train fare, but Narita (NRT) often sees more budget international airline traffic. Factor in the $20-$30 train cost difference when comparing.

Should I use a travel agent to find cheaper flights?

No. Online aggregators like Google Flights or Skyscanner have more real-time data than most agents. Book directly with the airline whenever possible to make cancellations or changes easier.

Finding the cheapest flights to Japan

To get the best price, book your flights 3 to 6 months in advance and fly into Tokyo instead of regional airports. Use Google Flights to track prices and set alerts for your specific travel dates.

Set your departure airport to Tokyo. Don't search for flights to Osaka, Fukuoka, or Sapporo immediately. Search for Tokyo (NRT or HND) first. It is almost always the cheapest entry point due to volume. You can take a cheap domestic flight or a Shinkansen to your final destination later.
Use Google Flights tracking. Enter your preferred departure city and Tokyo. Toggle the 'Track prices' switch. Set it to 'Any dates' if you are flexible, or specific dates if you aren't. Check your email daily once the alerts start rolling in.
Target the off-peak seasons. Avoid flying in April (Cherry Blossom season) and late December to early January (New Year holidays). The cheapest months to fly are typically late January, February, May (after Golden Week), and November.
Check budget carriers from hubs. If you are already in Asia, use low-cost carriers like Peach, Jetstar Japan, or AirAsia. If coming from the US or Europe, check Zipair for direct, low-cost flights into Tokyo Narita.

Is it cheaper to fly into Haneda or Narita?: Haneda (HND) is much closer to downtown Tokyo, saving you time and train fare, but Narita (NRT) often sees more budget international airline traffic. Factor in the $20-$30 train cost difference when comparing.
Should I use a travel agent to find cheaper flights?: No. Online aggregators like Google Flights or Skyscanner have more real-time data than most agents. Book directly with the airline whenever possible to make cancellations or changes easier.